Perhaps the best-known of Jesus’ parables is found in the fifteenth chapter of Luke—the story of the lost son. It’s also the case of the elder brother. While his brother sowed wild oats, he stayed home and sowed the crops. But when the rebellious son returned, the father threw a party! And the elder son sat outside and pouted.

Bitterness is its own prison. You can choose to chain yourself to your hurt. Or you put away your hurts and go to the party. How does God deal with your bitter heart? He reminds you that you still have your relationship with God. No one can take that. We are wise if we rise above our hurts. For if we do, we’ll be present at the Father’s final celebration. A party where no pouters will be present.